Local authorities and litter

Tackling litter with your local authority 

There are over 300 local authorities in England, and they do a great job. Our years' litter picking has taught us that everyone has a role to play in improving their local area for the best results.  

Litter and your local authority  

Local authorities do a lot. From street cleansing, clearing litter and rubbish, collecting waste, emptying bins and providing waste disposal and recycling facilities. Local authorities also have got the power to fine litterers and fly-tippers, to specify household refuse collection rules or check that businesses have appropriate arrangements for disposing of waste. 
 
Not all local authorities are created the same. They’re all structured differently but they’ll have a department for waste management or environmental issues. It’s a good idea to contact these officers in your council (sometimes they’re neighbourhood based) as they’ll have advice and can offer support. They may also give out our specific bags for waste collection and be able to let you know how to report collected rubbish to be removed. 

• Find your local authority.  
• Your local authority and your Member of Parliament (MP) are different, so if you’re here because of a decision made by the government. Find your MP.  

Your local councillor  

Your local councillor represents the best interests of the local area. They’re also an important link with council services and can raise matters with officials and elected members on your behalf. Not sure who your local councillor is? Find them. 

Parish councils 

Parish councils are separate from local councils, and they have additional pots of money to spend at their discretion, which may be used to support volunteers. If you have a parish council, it’s worth getting in touch.